Behind the Counter: From Buenos Aires to D.C. – How Florería Atlántico Became a Global Bar Icon Through Storytelling and Design

More than three years ago, Alex Resnik shared his vision for bringing something extraordinary to D.C.  and now, that dream has become reality. The celebrated Florería Atlántico, long considered one of the world’s most influential bars, has landed in the capital, paired with its fiery sibling restaurant, Brasero.

The project is a collaboration between two longtime friends: award-winning bartender Renato “Tato” Giovannoni, whose Buenos Aires bar has ranked among The World’s 50 Best Bars, and hospitality veteran Alex Resnik, whose career has spanned some of the globe’s most dynamic dining rooms. Together, they’ve created a space where cocktails tell stories of immigration and identity, and food draws directly from Argentina’s grilling traditions. Oh and did I mention the flower shop? 

TheListAreYouOnIt.com chatted with the duo about the journey from Buenos Aires to D.C., the art of designing a bar with soul, and why storytelling is at the heart of every great drink.

TLAYOI: Tato, for those who have never been to the original Florería Atlántico in Buenos Aires, how would you describe its spirit?

Tato: The original is a love letter to Argentina’s history of immigration. You enter through a flower shop, descend into a bar inspired by the ships that brought people from all over the world to our shores. Every cocktail tells a story, about Italians, Spaniards, British, Japanese, who all brought their traditions, ingredients, and dreams. It’s never just about the drink; it’s about honoring the journey behind it.

TLAYOI: Storytelling is at the heart of Florería Atlántico. How do you translate that to D.C.?

Tato: Washington is a city of diplomats, immigrants, and dreamers. In that way, it’s not so different from Buenos Aires. We’ve designed the D.C. space with that same narrative in mind, beautiful, but layered with meaning. The cocktails here will also carry stories, adapted to the history and flavors we find in this city. You’ll recognize the DNA of Florería Atlántico, but it will have its own D.C. accent.

TLAYOI: Alex, Brasero’s open-flame cooking has quickly become a signature. How does your menu complement Tato’s storytelling?

Alex: Fire is universal, it’s one of the first things humans shared across cultures. In Argentina, it’s central to our cuisine, but we’re bringing a wider lens to the menu here. Just like Tato’s cocktails, each dish draws on immigrant influences, from Mediterranean spices to Andean produce. Together, the food and drinks are in conversation, one bite sparking the next sip.

TLAYOI: The original Florería Atlántico is known for its intentional design. How did you approach the D.C. location?

Tato: We wanted guests to feel transported, but not in a kitschy way. The space should have soul, it should whisper its stories rather than shout them. We worked with artisans and designers to create textures, colors, and lighting that make you feel you’ve stepped into a place where time slows down. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s part of the experience.

TLAYOI: What do you hope guests walk away with after visiting Florería Atlántico in D.C.?

Alex: I  hope they feel they’ve traveled, maybe not thousands of miles, but somewhere deeply connected to history and humanity. And beyond the food and drink, I want them to feel genuinely cared for. Hospitality is the most important part of our DNA, it’s not just about what’s on the plate or in the glass, but how we make people feel from the moment they walk in. If we’ve created a space where guests feel welcomed, seen, and valued, then we’ve succeeded.

Tato: And I hope they leave curious and wanting to know more about the people, the cultures, and the ingredients that brought them to that table. Because that’s when hospitality becomes more than service, it becomes connection.

To learn more about Tato, Alex and the whole Atlàntico team listen to them in the Foodie & The Beast studio, here